Robert 'Bob' Blackford

Robert “Bob” Blackford, 72, of Earlham died Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at the Winterset Care Center North in Winterset. As per Robert’s request, he has been cremated and there will be no visitation, however, a graveside service will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Middle River Hospice of Winterset or a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be left for the family at ochiltree.com. Robert Asa Blackford was born February 21, 1941 in Iowa City; the son of Emmo and Olive (Beeson) Blackford. In 1961, he enlisted in the United States Army and served until 1964. His marriage to Rita Jane Holmes took place on December 14, 1968 in Indianola at the North River Methodist Church and to this union his two daughters were born. Bob, along with his brother, Jack, owned and operated Blackford Floors in Johnston. Later, he worked as a foreman with the Penick Concrete Company for 33 years until his retirement in 2004. Bob was not one to join organizations but he was a member of the NRA. He was also an avid outdoorsman but more than this, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved nothing more than time spent with his family and he especially loved attending his grandchildren’s activities. He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Rita Blackford of Earlham; his two daughters, Shelley Bunnell of Winterset and Jennifer (Jeff) Clover of Grimes; three siblings, Jack (Martha) Blackford, Donna (Frank) Montenguise, and Tom (Nina) Blackford all of Des Moines; two grandchildren, Joe Sprunger of Grimes and Kaitlynn Day of Stuart; two step-grandchildren, Chance Clover of Grimes and Kim Patterson of Carlisle; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Jerry Blackford, John Blackford and Virginia Simmons.